Astrolabe Catalogue

 

Front of astrolabe without rete or plates. Click to enlarge
Date late 16th century
Place Flanders
Material Brass
Inventory no. 45365
Acquisition Purchased from H. E. Backer in 1952

Throne

The throne is of the pierced type with c-shaped scroll work support(s). The throne is attached with a screwed base. The throne is cut from a single piece of brass.

Ring

The ring is of the simple, round cross-section type (i.e. simple plain ring made from a round rod or piece of metal).

Shackle

Shackle of the square, ornate type (i.e. ornate box type shackle, frequently topped by a rotating pin). .

Mater

The mater and limb are of two pieces, riveted construction. . Scales on the limb:
Type Range & Units Numbered Geometry Location
Equal hours 1 - 12 Times of day Every 1 hours Circular, concentric outer
Degree 0 - 360 Degrees Every 10 degrees Circular, concentric outer2

Womb


The womb contains an ornate Quadratum nauticum with a full windrose.
The womb contains 2 scales of the following types:
Type Range & Units Numbered Geometry Location
Quadratum nauticum 0 - 90 Degrees Every 10 degrees Box None
Windrose N/A Direction Not numbered  Circular, concentric None
The womb is inscribed:
Content Translation Notes Type
SEPTENTRIO North Direction
ORIENS East Direction
MERIDIENS South Direction
OCCIDENS West Direction

Lines

Type Labelled Description
Meridian line
Horizon rectus
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